People Come From All Over Pennsylvania For Lobster Tail At This Cozy Restaurant
In Allentown, Pennsylvania, Henry’s Salt of the Sea has quietly built a reputation for lobster tails that turn ordinary nights into memorable occasions.
Each lobster tail arrives perfectly cooked, sweet, tender, and dripping with buttery richness that makes every bite feel indulgent.
The cozy atmosphere welcomes diners like old friends, where the scent of fresh seafood mingles with soft conversation and the clink of forks.
Locals keep it close to the chest, but word spreads quickly as first-time visitors find themselves planning return trips before dessert arrives.
Every plate is crafted with care, making a simple seafood dinner feel like a special event.
You can experience this culinary delight at 1926 W Allen St, Allentown, PA 18104, where lobster tails turn meals into moments you won’t forget.
The Lobster Tails Are Worth Every Mile
Broiled cold water lobster twin tails arrive at your table swimming in brown butter, and the first bite explains why folks make the pilgrimage from Pittsburgh, Philly, and everywhere in between.
The meat pulls away from the shell with barely any effort, tender and sweet enough to make you forget every other lobster you have ever tasted.
Henry’s broils them to perfection, which means no rubbery texture or overcooked trouble. Just pure, buttery seafood bliss that lives up to every bit of hype.
Regulars swear by pairing the tails with a side of roasted potatoes and green beans, though some folks go all in and order the surf and turf.
Either way, you are getting lobster that tastes like it was pulled from the ocean that morning.
One diner described it as melt in your mouth tender, and honestly, that is not an exaggeration. The brown butter adds richness without overpowering the natural sweetness of the lobster.
If you only order one thing at Henry’s, make it the lobster tails.
A French-Inspired Seafood Haven in Allentown
Walking into Henry’s feels like stepping onto an old wooden ship, complete with dark wood paneling and an atmosphere that whispers nostalgia.
The French-inspired menu sets it apart from your typical seafood joint, offering dishes like escargot in garlic butter and steak au poivre alongside the usual suspects.
This is not some flashy modern bistro trying too hard to impress. Henry’s has been doing its thing for decades, and the vibe reflects that confidence.
The close-by kitchen lets you watch the team work magic right near your table, which adds a layer of authenticity you do not find at chain restaurants.
You can smell the garlic, hear the sizzle, and know your meal is being made with care.
Candlelight flickers across paper placemats, and booths are packed tight with loyal locals who have been coming here for years.
Some reviewers mention the decor feels like classic Americana from the 1980s, but that is part of the charm. Henry’s does not need to reinvent itself because it already nailed the formula.
The Broiled Seafood Platter Is a Show Stopper
If you cannot decide what to order, the broiled seafood platter makes the choice easy.
Lobster, clams casino, crab imperial stuffed shrimp, scallops, and sole in brown butter all land on one glorious plate, accompanied by green beans and a baked potato.
One reviewer called the scallops perfection and claimed they were the best she had ever eaten. Another regular said he orders the broiled seafood combo every single visit because it hits the spot every time.
Everything arrives perfectly cooked, which is no small feat when you are juggling that many different proteins.
The clams casino alone could steal the show, with crispy bacon and a garlicky topping that one diner said was the absolute best he had ever tasted, even compared to versions from Chicago and New York City.
The platter is generous enough to share if you are feeling social, but most people guard it like treasure. Portions are shareable in theory, but good luck convincing yourself to pass any of it around.
This dish is Henry’s calling card.
Reservations Are a Must at This Tiny Spot
Henry’s is small, like squeeze past your table to get to the restroom small.
With limited seating and a reputation that draws crowds from across Pennsylvania, you absolutely need to book ahead or risk being turned away.
One diner mentioned trying for months before finally snagging a last minute 8 PM table the same day he called.
Another reviewer noted that the place is always packed and lively, so expect a wait at the door even with a reservation.
The tight quarters mean guests sometimes brush past your booth, and you might end up with someone’s jacket uncomfortably close to your dinner plate.
But the food is so good that people laugh it off and keep coming back.
Calling ahead is not optional. Henry’s operates Monday through Saturday, with hours from 4:30 PM to 9 PM on weekdays and until 10 PM on Friday and Saturday.
Sunday is closed, so plan accordingly. The phone number is 610-434-2628, and you can also check their website at henryssaltofthesea.com for more details.
A Fresh House Salad Comes With Every Meal
Henry’s includes a salad with every entree, and it is not some sad pile of iceberg lettuce. The house salads come complete with in-house prepared croutons, and diners consistently mention them as a highlight.
One reviewer raved about the Caesar salad, which arrived fresh and flavorful before his broiled seafood platter.
The salad gets mentioned in reviews 32 times, which tells you everything you need to know about how much people appreciate this detail.
Fresh dinner rolls arrive alongside the salad, warm and ready to soak up butter or the garlic sauce from your mussels. It is a small touch that adds value to an already solid meal.
Some restaurants nickel and dime you for every side, but Henry’s builds it into the experience. You are not paying extra for bread or greens, which makes the pricing feel more reasonable even when entrees run $35 and up.
The portions are generous, and the quality matches the care put into the main courses.
Starting your meal with something fresh and light also helps you pace yourself.
Bacon Wrapped Scallops with Brandy Sauce
Bacon wrapped scallops show up in reviews seven different times, which means they are doing something very right.
The scallops arrive wrapped in crispy bacon and drizzled with a sweet sauce that adds a bright kick to every bite.
One couple ordered them as an appetizer and described them as phenomenal and beautifully plated.
Another guest mentioned they could have used a few more minutes in the oven, but still found them flavorful and skillfully prepared.
The scallops are plump and tender, which is exactly what you want when you are paying for quality seafood.
The bacon adds a smoky crunch that contrasts perfectly with the delicate texture of the scallop.
Sweet sauce is not something you see on every menu, and it sets Henry’s version apart from the usual suspects.
The sweetness balances the saltiness of the bacon without overwhelming the seafood.
These make a great starter if you are dining with a group and want to share a few plates before the main event. Just order extra because they disappear fast.
Crab Cakes and Colossal Lump Crab That Shine
Crab cakes get mentioned 11 times in reviews, and the colossal lump crab with warm butter is a fan favorite. One diner ordered it as an appetizer and could not stop talking about how light and delicious it was.
The crab is all meat, no filler, which is exactly what you want when you are paying premium prices. Henry’s does not cut corners, and it shows in every bite.
Another guest praised the excellent crab cakes and mentioned they were perfectly seasoned and cooked.
The lump crab arrives with warm butter for dipping, which lets the natural sweetness of the crab shine through.
Some restaurants load their crab cakes with breadcrumbs and mystery ingredients, but Henry’s keeps it simple and lets the seafood do the talking.
The result is a dish that tastes fresh and clean, not heavy or greasy.
If you are a crab lover, this is non-negotiable. Order it as an appetizer or as part of the broiled seafood platter.
Either way, you are getting some of the best crab in the Lehigh Valley.
Service That Makes You Feel Like a Regular
Servers at Henry’s have names like Holly and Jaime, and guests remember them long after the meal ends.
One reviewer said Holly had perfect timing and was welcoming and knowledgeable, making the entire experience feel effortless.
Another diner called his server one of the best he had ever had, extremely attentive without being overbearing. That balance is tricky to pull off, but Henry’s staff nails it.
The team is warm, kind, and always ready to help, even when the restaurant is slammed.
One group mentioned that the staff squeezed in an extra guest last minute for a birthday dinner, which shows flexibility and care.
Service can make or break a meal, and Henry’s consistently delivers on this front. Even when the restaurant is packed and people are squeezing past tables, the servers keep things running smoothly.
You get the sense that the staff genuinely cares about your experience, which is refreshing in an industry where burnout is common.
Good service turns a great meal into a memorable one, and Henry’s understands that.
Desserts Like Creme Brulee and Limoncello Ice Cream
Creme brulee gets mentioned seven times, and while reviews are mixed, the lemon ice cream served in a tall flute is an absolute winner.
One couple took it to go and described it as tangy and refreshing, the perfect ending to a rich seafood meal.
Another diner ordered house made creme brulee with coffee and had no complaints, calling it a great ending to an incredible meal.
The white chocolate raspberry cheesecake is dense but serviceable, and the tiramisu gets solid marks from those who order it.
Desserts are hit or miss depending on what you choose, but the lemon flute seems to be the safest bet. It is light, flavorful, and cuts through the richness of butter and seafood.
If you are too full for dessert, the staff will happily pack it up so you can enjoy it later. One guest mentioned they could not fit dessert but took the lemon ice cream home, which worked out perfectly.
Henry’s does not rush you out the door, so take your time and save room if you can.